Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 34 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and B.) Two cases of Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , …




Small Campstove Cooking, by R.E.

There are situations where the difference between a hot meal and a cold one is literally life and death. A hot meal can stave off hypothermia, and bringing food to boiling can prevent disease. Fire is good, and using fire to cook is better. I used to do a lot of camping and hiking, and have vague ambitions of returning to those pursuits. Because of that, and because I like having alternate means for important resources, over the past year I have been doing a lot of research into methods of heating food and drinks when away from utilities… or …




Sign-Cutting and OPSEC, by Infidel

In my line of work, if you are tracking someone, you are always behind them.  The only way to catch them is to run and that creates it’s own set of dangers.   Sign-cutting is finding a track or “sign”, using human nature, the terrain and the environment to get ahead of the people you are tracking and waiting for them.  It is about being students of terrain, the environment you are in, and human nature.   Let me break this down for you:   Human Nature – Most people will not walk a strenuous path.  They will follow fence-lines, …




Letter Re: Harry Figgie Was Right — Just Very Early

Mr. Rawles,   I pulled out my copy of Bankruptcy 1995: The Coming Collapse of America and How to Stop It by Harry E. Figgie, Jr. and discovered on pp. 85-87 three warning signs that the US is headed for what Mr. Figgie calls a “deep, deep depression.” They are:    Tax revenue is no longer sufficient to service the debt;    Substantial government debt is purchased by the Federal Reserve; and    Congress and the administration not only fail to address mounting deficits but make the situation worse.   The book is copyrighted 1992. It would appear Mr. Figgie …




Economics and Investing:

I’m sure you’ve noticed that US Dollar Index is down to 74.4, spot gold is up to $1,507 per ounce, and spot silver is at $45.89. As I’ve been warning you since September of 2005: Get out of U.S. Dollars and into useful tangibles! If you feel that you’ve missed the boat on precious metals, then buy guns and common caliber ammunition while they are still affordable. I suspect that they won’t be affordable (in U.S. Dollar terms) in a couple of years. Also, be forewarned: The COMEX Governors are soon likely to slam on the brakes on the precious …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) sent this: Stuff To Consider When Planning For SHTF Scenarios.    o o o Reader F.G. suggested this: Earth Class Mail – Best Mail Forwarding Service So Get A Ghost Address    o o o Dan S. recommend this article: Banning Guns by Changing Definitions, Part 4    o o o For those of you who are news junkies, bookmark this one: The InnoPlexION    o o o When the drug you need to cure a cancer is nowhere to be found. (Thanks to F.D. for the link.)